Muscle Layer Thickness Research Articles

A Workflow for Creating Gastric Computational Models from SPARC Scaffolds

In-silico studies are an ideal medium to model and improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying gastric motility in health and disease. In this study, a workflow to create computational models of the stomach was developed using SPARC scaffolds. Three anatomically based finite element method (FEM) models of the rat stomach incorporating experimental measurements of muscle layer thickness and fiber orientations across the stomach were developed: (i) 2D (surface) FEM model with no thickness, (ii) 3D (volume) FEM model with a fixed thickness across the longitudinal and circular muscle layers, and (iii) 3D (volume) FEM model with varying thickness across the longitudinal and circular muscle layers. The three FEM models were subsequently used in whole-organ slow wave simulations and the impact of anatomical details on the simulation outcomes was investigated. The 3D FEM model with varying thickness was the most computationally expensive, while the 2D FEM model provided the fastest solution (a 200 s simulation took 8 min vs. 38 h to solve). The spatiotemporal profiles of the slow wave activation and propagation in the three FEM models were in good agreement. The largest temporal difference of 1 s in cellular activation was observed between the 2D FEM model and the varying thickness 3D FEM model in the most distal-stomach regions. These FEM models and developed workflow will be used in in-silico studies to improve our understanding of the structure-function relationship in the stomach and identify the optimal parameters of electrical therapies, an alternative treatment for the motility disorders in the stomach. In addition, the developed workflow can be readily used to generate computational models of other organs using SPARC scaffolds.

Effect of Mepolizumab in airway’s remodelling in patients with late-onset severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype

BackgroundClinical trials and real-world experience have provided evidence for the clinical benefit of mepolizumab, an anti-IL-5 biologic, in severe asthma. However, limited data exists regarding the impact of mepolizumab on airway remodelling. ObjectiveWe thus investigated the effect of mepolizumab on airway structural remodelling in patients treated for severe asthma in routine clinical care. MethodsMESILICO is a multicenter study involving 8 Pulmonology Departments in Greece. This study focused on patients who initiated mepolizumab for severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype and had late-onset disease with obstructive patterns (impaired reversibility). Forty-seven patients were recruited, of whom 41 were enrolled in the bronchoscopy sub-study. The findings were related to clinical outcome. ResultsAfter 12 months, mepolizumab treatment was associated with significant improvements in lung function and ACT score, along with a significant decrease in severe exacerbation events (p<0.001). Thirty four of the 41 participants (83%) had paired biopsies for comparative analysis. There was a significant reduction from baseline in sub-basement membrane thickness, airway smooth muscle area, airway smooth muscle layer thickness and extent of epithelial damage, as well as a decrease in tissue eosinophil numbers (all p<0.001). The extent of ASMLT reduction positively correlated with the submucosal eosinophil reduction (r= 0.599, p<0.001). ConclusionThis study identifies that 12 month of mepolizumab treatment in patients with late-onset severe asthma, who are also characterized by eosinophilic and impaired reversibility phenotypes, leads not only to clinical improvement but also reduces indices of airway tissue remodelling suggestive of a disease modifying effect.

Quadriceps Muscle Layer Thickness and its association with frailty in critically ill patients: A prospective observational study

BackgroundFrailty is a well-recognized clinical entity known to influence the outcomes of critically ill patients. Muscle ultrasound, particularly Quadriceps Muscle Layer Thickness (QMLT), assesses muscle mass, which is a key component determining frailty. However, no studies have assessed the association between frailty and QMLT. This study aimed to determine the association between the QMLT and frailty in critically ill elderly patients. MethodIn this prospective, observational, single-center study conducted in an ICU in India, patients aged >65 years were enrolled. Baseline frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Quadriceps muscle thickness was measured via axial cross-section ultrasound at admission. Patients were categorized as non-frail (CFS 1–4) and frail (CFS ≥5), and their characteristics were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with frailty. Results120 patients were included. The median APACHE II and SOFA scores were 19 [IQR 14.25–23] and 4.5 [IQR 3–6], respectively. The median age was 75 years [IQR 70–82]; 62.5 % were male. The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (60 %) and hypertension (59 %). 65 % were mechanically ventilated. 65 % of patients were frail. Frail patients had higher mortality (37.17 % vs. 16.66 %, p = 0.022). QMLT was lesser in frail than non-frail (1.77 cm vs 2.21 cm, p < 0.001). QMLT decreased with an increase in CFS (p < 0.001). Frail and non-frail patients were further divided into four groups based on the median QMLT (1.96 cm). Frail patients with QMLT below the median had a higher 28-day mortality than non-frail and frail patients with QMLT above the median (48.97 % vs. 16.12 % vs. 18.18 % vs. 17.24 %, p = 0.003). Frailty was independently associated with increasing age (OR, 1.14; 95 % CI: 1.055–1.231, p = 0.001), higher APACHE II score (OR, 1.078; 95 % CI: 1.009–1.151, p = 0.025), and lower QMLT (OR, 0.205; 95 % CI: 0.083–0.509, p = 0.001). ConclusionsWe found an independent association between Quadriceps Muscle Layer Thickness (QMLT) and frailty. QMLT decreased progressively with CFS scores. Frail patients with lower QMLT had increased 28-day mortality. These findings highlight the role of incorporating QMLT measurements along with CFS in frailty evaluations to improve decision-making in critically ill elderly patients.

Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics on the Reproductive System, Intestinal Structure, and Microflora in Male and Female Mice

The pervasive use of plastics in numerous industrial sectors has resulted in the circulation of microplastics across diverse ecosystems and food chains, giving rise to mounting concerns regarding their potential adverse impacts on biological systems and the environment. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the distinct effects of microplastic-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure on the reproductive system, intestinal tissue structure, and intestinal microbial flora of both male and female mice. A total of 24 4-week-old Kunming mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: male control group (CM), female control group (CF), male PVC test group (PVCM), and female PVC test group (PVCF) (n = 6). The findings revealed that in terms of the reproductive system, the PVCM group exhibited an impaired testicular structure with an irregular arrangement and a significant reduction in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules (p &lt; 0.01). The PVCF group exhibited a notable decrease in ovarian follicles (p &lt; 0.01), accompanied by a reduction in uterus volume, fallopian tube volume, and muscle layer thickness, all of which also decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.01). In comparison to the control groups, exposure to PVC resulted in a reduction in the width and height of the intestinal villi, accompanied by an increase in crypt depth. This led to a significant alteration in the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, a reduction in microbial species diversity was observed within both the PVCM and PVCF groups; additionally, it was accompanied by contrasting changes in relative abundance and functional gene profiles among the major intestinal flora constituents. In summary, the findings indicate that PVC induces damage to both male and female mice reproductive and digestive systems, further exhibiting notable sex-dependent effects on mouse intestinal microflora composition, which correlates significantly with its impact on reproductive organs.

Integration of UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics and desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging reveals that Shouhui Tongbian Capsule alleviates slow transit constipation by regulating bile acid metabolism

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a common intestinal disorder. Some studies reported that Shouhui Tongbian Capsule (SHTB) can effectively mitigate STC symptoms. A detailed understanding of the changes in the endogenous metabolite profile of rats is crucial for a more accurate comprehension of the molecular pathological characteristics of SHTB in treating STC. In the present study, a method integrating metabolomics based on Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was proposed to investigate serum, feces and colon tissue metabolic alterations of STC rats induced by diphenoxylate and the effect of SHTB treatment on metabolism. Then, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) analysis for verifying the potential mechanism of SHTB in treating STC. As a result, we first indicated that SHTB significantly improved intestinal peristalsis and low fecal water content in STC rats. Furthermore, after treatment with SHTB, the thickness of muscle layers was increased, demonstrated SHTB’s effectiveness in reducing intestinal injury in STC rats. Besides, bile acid (BA) metabolomics based on UPLC-MS/MS revealed significant increase in serum levels of Cholic acid (CA), Deoxycholic acid (DCA), Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and Glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), whereas the contents of CA and DCA in feces were significantly decreased in STC rats. Nonetheless, they returned to the control levels after the SHTB administration. ELISA results showed that SHTB significantly hindered the excessive reabsorption of BAs by inhibiting apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), organic solute transporter alpha (OSTα) and organic solute transporter beta (OSTβ) in the ileum tissue of STC rats. Furthermore, the DESI-MSI analysis revealed that SHTB remarkably enhanced DCA in the colon tissue of STC rats. The WB results indicated that SHTB reinstated Takeda G-protein–coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) expression, a receptor for BAs and a key regulator of colonic motility. Consequently, DCA exerted its effects on TGR5, leading to the promotion of colonic motility. This study provided more comprehensive and detailed information about the BA metabolomics in the serum, feces and colon of STC rats. These findings highlighted the promising potential of metabolomics based on UPLC-MS/MS and DESI-MSI method for application in the study of STC diseases.

Effects of dietary primary bile acids on the growth, intestinal morphology, gene expression, serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota in pearl gentian grouper fed a high lipid diet

The grouper aquaculture industry flavors high lipid diets for economic reasons, yet this inevitably produces negative effects on the growth performance and intestinal function. Bile acids have been extensively reported to mitigate the negative effects on fish fed a high lipid diet, but it remains unclear whether this mechanism is bile acid type dependent. Therefore, an eight-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the response of growth and intestinal health parameters in pearl gentian grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♂ × E. lanceolatus♀ fed with high lipid diets to different types of bile acids. A high lipid diet (diet HL) containing 167 g/kg crude lipid served as the control diet, and three of primary bile acids glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, and cholic acid were added at a dose of 900 mg/kg to generate the bile acid diets HBG, HBT, and HBC, respectively. Results revealed that dietary supplementation with glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, or cholic acid does not affect the feed intake and growth of pearl gentian grouper fed a high lipid diet, while increasing the relative abundance of intestinal opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas in this species. Dietary supplementation with glycocholic acid or cholic acid decreases muscle layer thickness and villus height, while increases intestinal injury score. Grouper fed with taurocholic acid showed higher villus width and serum antioxidant enzyme activity, along with lower intestinal injury score and serum lipid peroxidation level. For the protein and gene involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, S6K1 signaling, and bile acids metabolism, grouper fed with taurocholic acid exhibited an increase in the protein expression of PP70 and the mRNA expression of nrf2, pi3k, pdk1, tsc2, akt, mtorc1, fxr and tgr5. Moreover, the serum metabolites can be significantly influenced by the intestinal bacteria. Overall, dietary supplementation of 900 mg/kg taurocholic acid is recommended when feeding high lipid diets to grouper.

Ciliated foregut cysts involving the hepatopancreaticobiliary system: a clinicopathological evaluation with focus on atypical features

AimsForegut cystic malformations are rare developmental abnormalities, which may involve the hepatopancreaticobiliary tract (HPBT). These cysts are composed of inner ciliated epithelium; subepithelial connective tissue layer; smooth muscle layer; and...

Nutrition intake, muscle thickness, and recovery outcomes for critically ill patients requiring non-invasive forms of respiratory support: A prospective observational study

BackgroundUse of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is increasing, yet reporting of nutrition intake, muscle thickness, or recovery outcomes in this population is limited. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to quantify muscle thickness, nutrition intake, and functional recovery outcomes for patients receiving HFNC/NIV within the ICU. MethodsA single-centre, prospective, observational study in adult ICU patients recruited within 48 hrs of commencing HFNC/NIV. Change in quadriceps muscle layer thickness using ultrasound (primary outcome) and 24 hr nutrition intake from study inclusion to day 7 (D7), functional capacity (Barthel Index), and quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension five-level utility index) at D90 were assessed. Data are n (%), mean ± standard deviation or median [interquartile range], are compared using paired sample t-test, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant. ResultsPrimary outcome data were available for n = 28/42: 64 ± 13 y, 61% male, body mass index: 29.1 ± 9.0 kg/m2, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score: 17 ± 5. Quadriceps muscle layer thickness reduced from 2.41 ± 0.87 to 2.12 ± 0.73 cm; mean difference: −0.29 cm (95% confidence interval: -0.44, −0.13). Nutrition intake increased from study inclusion to D7: 1735 ± 1283 to 5448 ± 2858 kJ and 17.4 ± 16.6 to 60.9 ± 36.8g protein. Barthel Index was 87 ± 20 at baseline and 91 ± 15 at D90 (out of 100). Quality of life was impaired at D90: 0.64 ± 0.23 (health = 1.0). ConclusionCritically ill patients receiving HFNC/NIV experienced muscle loss and impaired quality of life.

Management of T1 colorectal cancer.

Approximately 10% of patients with submucosal invasive (T1) colorectal cancer (CRC) have lymph node metastasis (LNM). The risk of LNM can be stratified according to various histopathological factors, such as invasion depth, lymphovascular invasion, histological grade, and tumor budding. T1 CRC with a low risk of LNM can be cured by local excision via endoscopic resection (ER), whereas surgical resection (SR) with lymph node dissection is required for high-risk T1 CRC. Current guidelines raise concern that many patients receive unnecessary SR, even though most patients achieve a radical cure. Novel diagnostic techniques for LNM, such as nomograms, artificial intelligence systems, and genomic analysis, have been recently developed to identify more low-risk T1 CRC cases. Assessing the curability and the necessity of additional treatment, including SR with lymph node dissection and chemoradiotherapy, according to histopathological findings of the specimens resected using ER, is becoming an acceptable strategy for T1 CRC, particularly for rectal cancer. Therefore, complete resection with negative vertical and horizontal margins is necessary for this strategy. Advanced ER methods for resecting the muscle layer or full thickness, which may guarantee complete resection with negative vertical margins, have been developed. Although a necessary SR should not be delayed for T1 CRC given its unfavorable prognosis when SR with lymph node dissection is performed, the optimal treatment method should be chosen based on the risk of LNM and the patient's life expectancy, physical condition, social characteristics, and wishes.

Multi-Omics Revealed Resveratrol and β-Hydroxy-β-methyl Butyric Acid Alone or in Combination Improved the Jejunal Function in Tibetan Sheep.

Previous research studies confirmed that both resveratrol (RES) and β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyric acid (HMB) improved growth performance by altering intestinal microbiota. However, the mechanism underlying of RES and HMB on intestinal function remains unclear in ruminant. In this study, supplements of RES and HMB alone or in combination were evaluated as promoters of antioxidant capacity, immune response and barrier function, and modulators of the microbiota and metabolite profiles in the jejunum of Tibetan sheep. A total of 120 two-month-old Tibetan rams were randomly divided into four treatments (n = 30 per treatment), which were supplemented with a basal diet with 1.5 g RES/d (RES group), 1.25 g HMB/d (HMB group), 1.5 g RES/d plus 1.25 g HMB/d (RES-HMB group), and without additions (Control group). The results showed that RES and HMB improved the antioxidant capacity (CAT, GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC), immunity (IgA, IgG, and IgM), and digestive enzyme activity (α-amylase, lipase, and chymotrypsin) of the experimental lambs (p < 0.05). Additionally, jejunal morphology including villus width, villus height, and muscle layer thickness exhibited a significant difference when rams were fed diets supplemented with RES and HMB (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the determination of fermentation parameters showed that the butyrate concentration in the RES-HMB group was greater than those in the C and RES groups (p < 0.05). When compared to the C group, barrier-related gene expression (MUC-2, ZO-1, and IL-10) was significantly increased in the RES-HMB group (p < 0.05). Dietary RES and (or) HMB supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Methanobrevibacter, Actinobacteriota and Bacillus (p < 0.05). The abundance of differential bacteria was positively associated with butyrate concentration (p < 0.05). Metabolome analysis revealed that alpha ketoglutarate, succinic semialdehyde, and diacetyl as well as butanoate metabolism pathways connected to the improvements in butyrate concentration by RES and (or) HMB supplementation. Collectively, our results suggested that RES and (or) HMB supplementation improved butyrate concentration via regulating the microbial community (Methanobrevibacter, Actinobacteriota and Bacillus) and metabolism (alpha ketoglutarate, succinic semialdehyde, and diacetyl), thus contributing to jejunal morphology, antioxidant capacity, immune response, digestive enzyme activity, and barrier function.

Pulsed-field ablation: an alternative ablative method for gastric electrophysiological intervention.

Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is an emerging ablative technology that has been used successfully to eliminate cardiac arrhythmias. As a nonthermal technique, it has significant benefits over traditional radiofrequency ablation with improved target tissue specificity and reduced risk of adverse events during cardiac applications. We investigated whether PFA is safe for use in the stomach and whether it could modulate gastric slow waves. Female weaner pigs were fasted overnight before anesthesia was induced using tiletamine hydrochloride (50 mg·mL-1) and zolazepam hydrochloride (50 mg·mL-1) and maintained with propofol (Diprivan 2%, 0.2-0.4 mg·kg-1·min-1). Pulsed-field ablation was performed on their gastric serosa in vivo. Adjacent point lesions (n = 2-4) were used to create a linear injury using bipolar pulsed-field ablation consisting of 40 pulses (10 Hz frequency, 0.1 ms pulse width, 1,000 V amplitude). High-resolution electrical mapping defined baseline and postablation gastric slow-wave patterns. A validated five-point scale was used to evaluate tissue damage in hematoxylin and eosin-stained images. Results indicated that PFA successfully induced complete conduction blocks in all cases, with lesions through the entire thickness of the gastric muscle layers. Consistent postablation slow-wave patterns emerged immediately following ablation and persisted over the study period. Pulsed-field ablation induces rapid conduction blocks as a tool to modulate slow-wave patterns, indicating it may be suitable as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Results show that pulsed-field ablation can serve as a gastric slow-wave intervention by preventing slow-wave propagation across the lesion site. Stable conduction blocks were established immediately following energy delivery, faster than previous examples of radiofrequency gastric ablation. Pulsed-field ablation may be an alternative for gastric slow-wave intervention, and further functional and posthealing studies are now warranted.

Interactions of wheat cultivars and supplemental enzyme in diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphometric features, and blood parameters

This study investigated the effects of wheat cultivar and enzyme supplementation on growth, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, and blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 648 male chicks were assigned to 9 diets: four Iranian wheat cultivars (Sardari, Azar2, Pishgam, Sirvan) with and without enzyme supplementation, plus a corn-based control (6 replicates/diet, 12 birds/pen). Diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Chicks were fed for 39 days. Corn-based diets generally led to higher feed intake (FI) throughout the study compared to most wheat-based diets. However, during the finishing period (25–39 days), broilers fed diets containing Sardari and Azar2 wheat achieved the best weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed Sirvan cultivar. Most of the carcass traits were not affected by the experimental treatments. Blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, and high-density cholesterol (HDL) levels were all noticeably affected by the type of wheat in the diet. Jejunum length and cecum weight were greatest in birds fed different wheat cultivars, while the corn-based diet resulted in the shortest jejunum and cecum length. Adding enzymes to the Pishgam cultivar diet increased the length of the ileum. significant interactions between wheat cultivar and enzyme were observed for jejunal villi characteristics (length, thickness, number) and muscle layer thickness, Broilers fed the Sardari diet exhibited the deepest crypts and lowest villi length-to-crypt depth ratio. The study concluded that there is a significant effect of wheat cultivar diversity on broiler performance traits, blood chemistry, carcass characteristics, and gut health. The findings also suggest that the selected enzyme may not be effective in all wheat cultivars due to the absence of a consistent wheat cultivar-enzyme interaction.

Alleviating effect of methionine on intestinal mucosal injury induced by heat stress

Climate change is an increasing concern of stakeholders worldwide. The intestine is severely impacted by the heat stress. This study aimed to investigate the alleviating effects of methionine on the intestinal damage induced by heat stress in mice. The mice were divided into four groups: control group (C), methionine deficiency group (MD), methionine + heat stress group (MH), and methionine deficiency + heat stress group (MDH). Histopathological techniques, PAS-Alcian blue staining, immunohistochemistry method, biochemical quantification method, ELISA, and micro method were used to study the changes in the intestinal mucosal morphology, the number of goblet cells, the expression of tight junction proteins, the peroxide product contents and antioxidant enzyme activities, the intestinal mucosal damage, the content of immunoglobulins and HSP70, the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase. The results showed that methionine can improve intestinal mucosal morphology (increase the villi height, V/C value, and muscle layer thickness, decrease crypt depth), increase the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1) and the content of DAO, decrease the content of intestinal mucosa damage markers (ET, FABP2) and peroxidation products (MDA), increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GR, GSH-Px, SOD), the number of goblet cells, the contents of immunoglobulins (sIgA, IgA, IgG, IgM) and stress protein (HSP70), and the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase. It is suggested that methionine can alleviate intestinal damage in heat-stressed mice.

Morphometric features of the duodenal wall in piglets during different periods of postnatal and neonatal ontogenesis under the influence of the ‘Globigen Jump Start’ feed additive

The morphological parameters of the small intestinal mucosa, such as villi size and crypts, play a key role in the formation of the intestinal tube’s absorption surface. The number of goblet and enterochromaffin cells indicates the epithelium’s functional condition in terms of mucus secretion and production of catecholamines and hormones (serotonin, dopamine). That is why it is important to study and determine certain morphometric parameters of the duodenal wall in piglets during different periods of neonatal and postnatal development, especially during stress situations, namely weaning and transition to protein feeding. The article presents the resulting effect studies of ‘Globigen Jump Start’ feed additive on the histo-morphological parameters of the piglets’ duodenal mucosa on day 7, 14 and 28 of life. A positive effect on mitigating weaning stress was manifested by a decrease in the quantitative and linear indicators of histoarchitectonics of intestinal wall’s individual morphological components. A significant increase in goblet cells, especially in the experimental group, had a positive impact on the mucopolysaccharide synthesis. The piglets’ gastrointestinal tract physiology involves a complex interaction between the central nervous system, metasympathetic nervous system, APUD system, and endocrine system. Due to these systems, the information is transmitted according to the direct and reverse communication mechanisms in the regulation of the gastrointestinal tract function. An increase in the number of enterochromaffin cells and their nuclei diameter in the experimental group of piglets indicated an increased synthesis of catecholamines and hormones. It has an extremely positive effect on the immune and physiological status of piglets, thus emphasizing the crucial role of serotonin in neuronal metabolism and the formation of stress resistance. The increase in the thickness of the duodenal wall muscle layer, in our opinion, occured due to the active peristalsis, which was enhanced by the action of some catecholamines, which were synthesized in a slightly larger amount under the influence of nutrients making up the ‘Globigen Jump Start’ feed additive.

From diverticulosis to complicated diverticular disease: Progression of myogenic alterations and oxidative imbalance.

The natural history and pathophysiology of diverticular disease (DD) are still uncertain. An ex-vivo human complicated DD (cDD) model has recently shown a predominant transmural oxidative imbalance. The present study aims to evaluate whether the previously described alterations may precede the symptomatic form of the disease. Colonic surgical samples obtained from patients with asymptomatic diverticulosis (DIV), complicated DD, and controls were systematically and detailed morphologically and molecularly analyzed. Therefore, histologic, histomorphometric, immunohistochemical evaluation, and gene and protein expression analysis were performed to characterize colonic muscle changes and evaluate chronic inflammation, oxidative imbalance, and hypoxia. Functional muscle activity was tested on strips and isolated cells in response to contractile and relaxant agents. Compared with controls, DD showed a marketed increase in muscle layer thickness, smooth muscle cell syncytium disarray, and increased interstitial fibrosis; moreover, the observed features were more evident in the cDD group. These changes mainly affected longitudinal muscle and were associated with altered contraction-relaxation dynamics and fibrogenic switch of smooth muscle cells. Chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was primarily evident in the mucosa and spared the muscle. A transmural increase in carbonylated and nitrated proteins, with loss of antioxidant molecules, characterized both stages of DD, suggesting early oxidative stress probably triggered by recurrent ischemic events, more pronounced in cDD, where HIF-1 was detected in both muscle and mucosa. The different DD clinical scenarios are part of a progressive process, with oxidative imbalance representing a new target in the management of DD.

Optimizing valine supplementation in low-fish meal diets for enhanced growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study evaluates the effects of valine on the growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a low fish meal diet (10 %). The trouts with an initial body weight of 15.08±0.20 g were fed with five different isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing levels of valine: 0.86 % (G1), 1.79 % (G2), 2.43 % (G3), 3.02 % (G4), and 3.68 % (G5) for 56 days. The results showed that the weight growth rate and specific growth rate of the 2.43 % group were significantly higher than those of the 0.86 % control group (P<0.05). The intestinal villus length and muscle layer thickness propria were significantly increased in the 3.02 % group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The activities of intestinal protease, amylase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lysozyme in the 2.43 % group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were lowest in the 3.02 % group, while the IL-10 level was highest in the 3.02 % group (P<0.05). Elevated levels of valine in the dietary regimen correlated positively with the upregulation of pivotal genes associated with antioxidant mechanisms, notably nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and thioredoxin (Trx). Additionally, the expression of genes implicated in the synthesis of tight junction proteins, including occludin, claudin 7b, and claudin 15, exhibited significant augmentation with escalating valine concentrations in the feed. In conclusion, dietary valine enhanced the growth, digestive and absorptive capabilities, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of O. mykiss. An analysis based on a quadratic curve model, which incorporates specific rates of growth and weight gain, establishes that the optimal dietary valine requirement for triploid O. mykiss consuming a 10 % fish meal diet ranges between 2.43 % and 2.69 %.

Assessing the oral and suprahyoid muscles in healthy adults using muscle ultrasound to inform the swallowing process: a proof-of-concept study

The oral and suprahyoid muscles are responsible for movements of swallowing. Our study aimed to determine the reproducibility of static and dynamic measurements of these muscles using bedside ultrasound equipment. Forty healthy participants were recruited prospectively. Primary outcomes were evaluation of mass measurements of the anterior bellies of the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid and tongue in B-mode ultrasound. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of geniohyoid muscle layer thickness and function using M-mode. Muscle mass measurements demonstrated little within-participant variability. Coefficient of Variance (CoV) across muscles were: anterior belly digastric (5.0%), mylohyoid (8.7%), geniohyoid (5.0%) and tongue (3.2%). A relationship between sex (r2 = 0.131 p = 0.022) was demonstrated for the geniohyoid muscle, with males having higher transverse Cross Sectional Area (CSA) (14.3 ± 3.6 mm vs. 11.9 ± 2.5 mm, p = 0.002). Tongue size was correlated with weight (r2 = 0.356, p = 0.001), height (r2 = 0.156, p = 0.012) and sex (r2 = 0.196, p = 0.004). Resting thickness of the geniohyoid muscle layer changed with increasing bolus sizes (f = 3.898, p = 0.026). Velocity increased with bolus size (p = < 0.001, F = 8.974). However swallow time and slope distance did not, potentially influenced by higher coefficients of variation. Oral and suprahyoid muscle mass are easily assessed using bedside ultrasound. Ultrasound may provide new information about muscle mass and function during swallowing.

Effects of dietary astaxanthin on growth performance, immunity, and tissue composition in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

This study examined the effects of feeding largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) with diets containing different doses of astaxanthin (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the values of weight gain significantly increased from 620.32 ± 50.38% to 826.14 ± 33.49% as dietary astaxanthin levels increased from 0 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg. When the astaxanthin level exceeded 150mg/kg, the weight gain rate showed a downward trend, but there was no significant difference among of the 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were also improved by adding astaxanthin to diets (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, adding astaxanthin to the feed increased the length and thickness of intestinal villus and muscle layer thickness (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The astaxanthin supplementation increased the expression of the NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) gene and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the expression of apoptosis genes Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05), indicating that it has a good antioxidant ability. Furthermore, adding astaxanthin increased the content of non-specific immune markers and decreased the expression levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-15 (IL-15) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Moreover, fish fed diets with astaxanthin exhibited lower blood cortisol levels (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The proportions of C20:4n6 (ARA) and C20:5n3 (EPA) in the liver decreased with increasing dietary astaxanthin levels. Based on WGR and SGR values, the optimal addition level of astaxanthin in largemouth bass feed is 134.8 mg/kg ~ 135.75 mg/kg. In summary, the appropriate dietary astaxanthin enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immune response of largemouth bass and had a positive effect on its intestinal health.

Influence of Herba Houttuyniae added to fodder on the morphological structure of the intestinal tract, the digestive enzymes, the intestinal flora, and immune function of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) infected with Aeromonas veronii.

This study investigated whether adding Herba Houttuyniae to feed can improve intestinal function and prevent diseases for koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) infected with Aeromonas veronii. There was a total of 168 koi carp with an average body length of (9.43 ± 0.99) cm and an average body weight of (26.00 ± 11.40) g. The K group was the control group fed with basal feed, while the C group was fed with feed with a H. houttuyniae content of six per thousand. After 14days of feeding, the fish were fasted for a day and then intraperitoneally injected with A. veronii for artificial infection, injection dose is 0.2mL, and the concentration is 1 × 107CFU/mL. Samples were collected from the two groups on days 0, 1, 2, and 4. The fold height, intestinal villus width, and muscle layer thickness in the gut of the koi carp were measured. In addition, on day 4, the activities of trypsin, α-amylase, and lipase in the gut were determined, and the intestinal flora of the carp in both groups was tested. The results showed that on the second and fourth days of sampling, the fold height and muscle layer thickness in the C group were significantly higher than those in the K group (P < 0.05). The villus width in the C group was slightly higher than that in the K group, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Microscopic observation revealed that the intestinal structure of the carp in the C4 (day 4 in C group) group was more intact than that in the K4 (day 4 in K group) group. Moreover, the activities of trypsin, α-amylase, and lipase in the foregut and midgut in the C4 group were higher than those in the K4 group (P < 0.05). The activities of trypsin and α-amylase in the hindgut in the C4 group were higher than those in the K4 group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, beneficial bacteria, especially those in the genus Cetobacterium, were more abundant in the intestinal tract of the carp in the C4 group compared to the K group. In addition, comparisons and tests of IL-4 and IL-10 in the intestines of the fish in both groups demonstrated that the H. houttuyniae added to feed enhanced the immune function of the fish intestines after bacterial attack. In conclusion, for koi carp infected with A.veronii, adding H. houttuyniae to their feed not only improves the activity of digestive enzymes and the morphological structure of the intestine but also optimizes the beneficial intestinal microbiota, thereby protecting the intestinal tract.

Microbial Metagenomes and Host Transcriptomes Reveal the Dynamic Changes of Rumen Gene Expression, Microbial Colonization and Co-Regulation of Mineral Element Metabolism in Yaks from Birth to Adulthood.

Yaks are the main pillar of plateau animal husbandry and the material basis of local herdsmen's survival. The level of mineral elements in the body is closely related to the production performance of yaks. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of rumen epithelial morphology, transcriptomics and metagenomics to explore the dynamics of rumen functions, microbial colonization and functional interactions in yaks from birth to adulthood. Bacteria, eukaryotes, archaea and viruses colonized the rumen of yaks from birth to adulthood, with bacteria being the majority. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in five developmental stages, and the abundance of genus Lactobacillus and Fusobacterium significantly decreased with age. Glycoside hydrolase (GH) genes were the most highly represented in five different developmental stages, followed by glycosyltransferases (GTs) and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), where the proportion of genes coding for CBMs increased with age. Integrating host transcriptome and microbial metagenome revealed 30 gene modules related to age, muscle layer thickness, nipple length and width of yaks. Among these, the MEmagenta and MEturquoise were positively correlated with these phenotypic traits. Twenty-two host genes involved in transcriptional regulation related to metal ion binding (including potassium, sodium, calcium, zinc, iron) were positively correlated with a rumen bacterial cluster 1 composed of Alloprevotella, Paludibacter, Arcobacter, Lactobacillus, Bilophila, etc. Therefore, these studies help us to understand the interaction between rumen host and microorganisms in yaks at different ages, and further provide a reliable theoretical basis for the development of feed and mineral element supplementation for yaks at different ages.